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 Scheduled to open in July, the brain trust at Escena opted to skip the hot summer months in favor of opening the public track in the much more accommodating month of November. It was worth the wait. The Nicklaus Design course is a fitting addition to the roster of stellar Southern California courses that the prolific design company has opened in recent years. Players familiar with Dove Canyon, Sherwood, Aliso Viejo, Angeles National and the newly built Retreat in Corona can certainly attest to the playability of the company’s courses, which also include acclaimed Coachella Valley tracks such as The Club at Morningside, two courses at PGA West, and the new Toscana Country Club. Stretching 7,173 yards from the tips — but playing a more manageable 6,615 from the championship tees — the par-72 Escena features generously wide fairways framed by clusters of palms, pepper trees and desert flowers. Lakes and streams on half of the holes add to the challenge and the visual beauty — as do the panoramic views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. With its inviting fairways, Escena won’t beat you up. Rather, it’s a throwback to the days of yesteryear, when classic resort courses were built for the enjoyment of the casual golfer. “I have never seen so many people walk off the course and walk into the golf shop and book another round,” Winge said. “We’re doing 100 rounds a day, which is a great number for a new course. And one of the reasons that we’ve been so successful so early is that everyone enjoys the golf course.” One of the most distinctive features of the course is that you’re not unduly penalized by a less-than-perfect tee shot. “This is a great second-shot golf course,” head professional Brian Winge said. “You’re able to hit a little wild off the tee and still find your ball thanks to our generous landing areas. But the second shot is where it gets demanding due to the bunkering around the greens, which sit at an angle. Distance control [to the green] is a key to having a great round of golf here.” Another key is properly managing the par 3s, which Winge cites as one of the course’s main strengths. “They are difficult and long and if you play them well, you’ll play the course well,” he said. Escena Golf Club is located at 1100 Clubhouse View Drive in Palm Springs. Green fees range from $45 to $105, depending on the season. For tee times, call (760) 778-2737. Or visit www.escenapalmsprings.com. |
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